Janet Samuel, Abuja
The Senate has urged the Nigeria police to prosecute the perpetrators of Gender Base Violence (GBV).
The resolutions of the senate followed a motion sponsored by the Senator representing Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe, along side 16 other Senators.
The motion was to commemorate the 16 days of activism against GBV celebrated by the UN every year.
While moving her motion on the floor of the senate, Senator Kingibe said GBV is a “pervasive problem worldwide and the reported fatalities from it are on the increase.
She called on the lawmakers to create advocacy for women and stop gender based violence.
“Women are vulnerable and are at risk. More is needed to ensure that women live and are free of violence,”
In her contribution, the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, said women have also suffered in the hands of women.
“Nigerian women and the world have suffered in the hands of not just men but women and in various organisations,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said.
On his part, Senator representing Edo North,Adams Oshiomhole said there should be stiff penalties for GBV offenders.
“I think we need to review the laws that have to do with violence against women. We need to make the penalties stiffer,” Oshiomhole said.
“We should pass laws with appropriate tools to enable the police to prosecute.
“Sermonising alone won’t change the minds of those who think they have the right to oppress.”
The Senate President, Godswiill Akpabio in his remark, mandated it’s committee on Women Affairs and other relevant committees to put up National road map as highlighted in the Orange Nigeria Initiative
